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West Ham might fancy a busy transfer deadline day after securing the future of Marko Arnautovic.

Speculation has raged on all month long with the Austrian international subject to significant interest from China. An unnamed club were believed to have offered upwards of £35m for the former Stoke man and his future seemed unclear. However, the forward eventually committed his long-term future to the Hammers by penning a new contract.

Arnautovic’s renewal is massive for Manuel Pellegrini who is hoping for a late charge for Europe in his remaining fixtures. Adding some more quality to the squad could prove to be vital in bringing European nights to the London Stadium.

One man Pellegrini could target is Schalke utility man – Daniel Caligiuri. Valued at £6.75m by Transfermarkt, the Italian has been one of the most consistent performers in the Bundesliga during recent seasons. Once again, the 31-year-old has been in fine form for his side, he has been a shining light in a dismal Bundesliga campaign so far.

Caligiuri would prove to be a useful option for the former Manchester City boss to have at his disposal. The former Wolfsburg man is comfortable at right-back or right wing back as well as the right of midfield. The German-born winger has helped his side’s cause with two goals and four assists so far this season and would be the ideal long-term replacement for Pablo Zabaleta on the right flank.

Luring the versatile defender to London on deadline day could prove to be a wise move by the Hammers.

West Ham fans, thoughts?

Newcastle United have been handed a fresh injury lift over Miguel Almiron…

What’s the latest?

Magpies boss Eddie Howe has revealed that the midfielder has recovered from his ailment and will be back in the squad against Wolves for their Premier League clash tonight.

The 28-year-old was absent from the matchday squad for the 5-1 defeat to Tottenham last weekend but will now be available for selection against Bruno Lage’s side.

On Thursday, Lee Ryder tweeted: “Eddie Howe says he is ‘delighted’ to welcome back Miguel Almiron from illness #nufc.”

Buzzing

The 44-year-old will be buzzing with this news, as it means that he will have a solid option to bring off the bench if required.

It will be a big boost to his squad as Almiron offers plenty of endeavour and work rate when he comes off the bench for Newcastle. He works his socks off for the team and that is a valuable trait to have in a player coming on as a substitute.

Whilst he may not have the attacking quality required to make an impact in the final third, from the start or off the bench, he is the perfect player to bring in to help see out a game by adding a steeliness to the forwards on the pitch.

For example, if Newcastle are winning 2-1 in the 70th minute and Allan Saint-Maximin is starting to look fatigued, Howe can put Almiron on and let him run himself into the ground to help the team. The Paraguayan has averaged 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game this season, which shows that he puts in a shift out of possession to try and win the ball back for his side.

Meanwhile, Saint-Maximin has only averaged 0.8 tackles and interceptions per game, the same as Ryan Fraser. This suggests that neither of them offers the defensive protection that the Paraguay international does when he is on the pitch, as they do not win the ball back as often as him.

Therefore, Almiron is a useful option for Howe to have, and that is why the manager will be buzzing to have the 28-year-old available for selection. The head coach will surely want as many options as possible on the bench to use in a multitude of scenarios, with the Magpies attempting to put their three-match losing streak to an end against Wolves tonight.

AND in other news, Signed for free, now worth £9m: Ashley sealed his final NUFC gift in £35k-p/w “dream”…

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side have been dealt a late injury setback ahead of this afternoon’s Premiership Old Firm meeting with Rangers.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via Celtic), the Bhoys boss revealed that James Forrest will not be available for selection on Sunday afternoon, as the winger has been unable to recover from a knock picked up in his last outing.

Regarding the 30-year-old’s current condition, the Greek-Australian manager said: “The only one who is not available for the weekend is James Forrest. He still has a bit of a niggle from his last game, so he’s the one that’s ruled out.”

Postecoglou will be gutted

While Forrest has not exactly been a guaranteed starter at Celtic since Postecoglou’s arrival at the club last summer, the news that the forward is not fit to face Rangers will nevertheless have come as a gutting blow to the 56-year-old and his side.

Indeed, the £5.4m-rated man has been a devastating player in the Hoops attack over the past decade, scoring an incredibly impressive 97 goals and registering 97 assists over 440 appearances for the club.

Furthermore, although he has only started 16 fixtures in all competitions this season, the £20k-per-week Scotland international has still scored some important goals for Celtic in 2021/22, none less so than his winner against St Johnstone in the Scottish League Cup semi-final.

As such, while it would have been unlikely that Forrest would have been given the nod from the off this afternoon, the 30-year-old’s unavailability will certainly come as a huge blow to Celtic’s chances of leaving Ibrox with all three points – with a victory in Govan all but securing the Premiership title for Postecoglou’s outfit.

AND in other news: Ange starts £52.5k-p/w ace & 22y/o who has his chest “puffed out”: Predicted Celtic XI

Celtic are in talks with KV Oostende and Hellas Verona over a move for defender Osaze Urhoghide, according to The Scotsman.

The Lowdown: Urhoghide’s struggles

Urhoghide was actually the club’s first signing under Ange Postecoglou, with the Hoops boss labelling the youngster as ‘ambitious’ after he penned Parkhead terms.

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However, the 21-year-old has made just one senior Celtic appearance this season, coming in a Europa League dead rubber against Real Betis.

He was last involved in a Scottish Premiership match-day squad back in September, and it seems as if a temporary exit could now be on the cards before Monday’s deadline.

The Latest: Oostende and Verona talks

The Scotsman shared a report on Urhoghide on Tuesday lunchtime, revealing that talks have been opened with both Oostende and Verona over a loan deal.

The Hoops don’t want to move the defender on permanently, with Verona currently ninth in Serie A and Oostende battling to avoid relegation in the Belgian Pro League.

The Verdict: Good move?

Celtic clearly have high hopes for Urhoghide, otherwise, they’d be open to permanent offers, so sending him out on loan for the remainder of the campaign could be a shrewd call.

Urhoghide will obviously have a say on his next move, and hopefully, both interested parties are willing to offer him regular first-team football.

We’ve seen in the past with Jack Hendry that a move to Oostende can do wonders for a Hoops centre-back, so perhaps that will come into consideration over the next few days.

In other news: Print newspaper shares significant Celtic transfer update as Michael Nicholson digs in his heels. 

West Ham United have not been shy when it comes to signing players from other English clubs over the past few years such as Said Benrahma, Kurt Zouma, Jarrod Bowen and Craig Dawson among others.

In doing this, the Hammers have spent a significant amount of money.

With the upcoming summer transfer window in mind, it seems as though a clue has been shared over one potential deal that could take place at the east London club that would surely delight David Moyes.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Pete O’Rourke had this to say about former West Ham loan star Jesse Lingard and the possibility of him returning to the London Stadium on a permanent transfer move in the summer.

He said: “I think for Jesse Lingard, if West Ham are playing in the Champions League next season – extra incentive for him to make that move to the London Stadium. I think that gives West Ham the edge over other Premier League clubs and foreign clubs if it does come down to it.

“I think they should be in pole position to get Jesse Lingard if it comes down to a personal decision rather than anything else to decide where Lingard moves after he leaves Manchester United.”

During the Englishman’s loan spell at the London Stadium in the second half of last season, the midfielder managed to score nine goals and provide five assists in 16 league games.

To further highlight how impressive he was during that time, Lingard ended the campaign with a higher percentage of shots on target (50%) than any other player in Moyes’ squad that had more than three attempts at goal.

This season has seen the 29-year-old start just two league games for the Red Devils, showing just how far down the pecking order he is there.

Taking this into account and the fact that Lingard’s contract at Old Trafford set to expire in the summer, the possibility of West Ham signing their former loan star on a free transfer could be a mouth-watering prospect for their supporters and Moyes.

Moving forward, whether the Hammers end up winning the Europa League or not, GSB should definitely explore the possibility of securing a permanent deal for the England international this summer.

If this were to happen and the player was able to replicate the same sort of form he was on in his previous spell at the club, this would surely have the Hammers manager buzzing.

In other news: West Ham plot bid for £21.6m-rated “leader”, Moyes can now axe “shocking” £61k-p/w dud

Aston Villa, Arsenal and Newcastle are all keen on midfielder Yves Bissouma, with Brighton recently rejecting a £30m bid.

That’s according to French journalist and commentator Fabrice Hawkins, and, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Villa are after a new defensive midfielder this month following the injury to Marvelous Nakamba and have been linked with a £40m move for Bissouma.

Sam Wallace of The Telegraph labelled a move for the Seagulls star as a difficult and potentially expensive one but not impossible.

Hawkins took to Twitter on Tuesday evening, claiming Brighton have rejected a £30m offer. He doesn’t name where the offer came from, but Villa, Arsenal and Newcastle are all name-checked with an interest.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful relayed Hawkins’ claim regarding Bissouma on social media. This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with a few urging the club to get a move over the line and another labelling the midfielder as a potential ‘superstar’.

“Make it happen!”

Credit: @mooneyavfc

“Give them what they want boys!!!”

Credit: @AvfcRegan

“Stump up the £45m lads. Suarez and Bissouma + CB and we can get 7th imo”

Credit: @Neaarii

“Smart anchor bid, now Make it £35m as a final offer.”

Credit: @Daevion44070743

“I think £40m plus add ons gets him”

Credit: @hutchingss81

“£50m get it done. Exactly what we need and potential to become a superstar.”

Credit: @Muskehound01

In other news: ‘We’ve actually broken Lange’ – Many Villa fans ‘excited’ as more transfer news is now confirmed. 

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford could be fit for the final two Premier League games of the season despite initial fears he would not return this campaign.

The Lowdown: Bamford’s torrid season

The 28-year-old was arguably the Whites’ star man last season, scoring 17 league goals, but things have panned out very differently this time around.

Bamford has been hampered by injury problems throughout the campaign, being limited to just seven league starts, which has played a part in the Whites’ struggles.

The striker is currently out with a foot injury which was initially expected to make him miss the rest of the campaign, but Jesse Marsch has revealed he could now miss just the next three weeks.

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The Latest: Hay shares good news

Providing his thoughts in a Q&A for The Athletic on Monday ahead of Leeds’ trip to Crystal Palace, Phil Hay claimed that Bamford could return for the last two league games of the season, which are at home to Brighton and away to Brentford.

The journalist shared a prospective return date from the Whites manager which essentially means missing the next three weeks, claiming:

“Still no Patrick Bamford [v Palace] but Jesse Marsch thinks he might make it back for the last two games of the season.”

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The Verdict: Could be massive for Leeds

This is a potentially huge boost for Leeds, as they find themselves in danger of getting sucked back into a relegation battle between themselves, Everton and Burnley.

Bamford’s finishing ability means that just one chance could be needed in one of those final two matches, should Marsch’s side still not be safe at that point.

In many ways, the hope is that Leeds have avoided relegation by then and Bamford doesn’t need to be risked, but having him in contention would feel significant, providing the Whites with proven Premier League firepower.

In other news, Hay has dropped a Leeds transfer claim. Read more here.

Leeds United are preparing another offer for top transfer target Brenden Aaronson…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the ever-reliable Phil Hay of The Athletic.

“Leeds United considering upping their bid for Brenden Aaronson to £20m. The club want him in this window, although if RB Salzburg dig their heels in, it’s one which could wait until the summer. Leeds rate him very highly,” he tweeted with an accompanying article.

Earlier this week, the Yorkshire outfit had a £15m bid rejected by the Austrian champions as they remain intent on keeping their star midfielder.

The Yorkshire outfit are said to have sent director of football Victor Orta to Salzburg to try and thrash out a deal, whilst it is believed that they do not want to offload any player this month due to their upcoming Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

Keep trying!

Indeed, much of the talk suggests that it’s a losing race as the Austrian outfit simply will not sell one of Matthias Jaissle’s key players. However, history would tell us otherwise.

In the past, the club have cashed in on the likes of Erling Haaland (£18m to Borussia Dortmund), Dominik Szoboszlai (£18m t0 RB Leipzig) and Sadio Mane (£10m to Southampton).

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That suggests that for the right offer, historically, Salzburg have sold. They are ultimately a selling club as they always have young talents being developed.

Therefore, supporters and even manager Marcelo Bielsa should be encouraged by Hay’s latest report as there’s a chance the Austrians cave in, no matter what other claims are telling us.

Aaronson would be a hugely exciting signing for Leeds, too. He very much fits the profile that the Argentinian head coach desires – hard-working, bundles of energy and very, very versatile.

He has delivered ten goals and 12 assists in 51 appearances for Salzburg, via Transfermarkt, whilst American reporters have likened him to both Yossi Benayoun and Clint Dempsey, who both have had an impact in the Premier League in the past.

It appears as if Leeds aren’t giving up, so those around Elland Road must be buzzing by this latest update.

AND in other news, Journalist drops huge Leeds United transfer claim ahead of deadline day…

Crystal Palace are looking into a deal for Brentford midfielder Christian Eriksen, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Eriksen’s Premier League return

The 30-year-old returned to England during the January transfer window, penning a short-term deal with the Bees until the end of the season.

Eriksen has scored once and provided an assist in his four Premier League starts, with Brentford winning every game in which the attacking midfielder has played 90 minutes.

He is out of contract at the end of June, although it looks as if he won’t be short of offers over the coming months.

The Latest: Palace interest in Eriksen

90min shared a story on Tuesday regarding Eriksen, claiming that Brentford have a huge battle on their hands to keep the Denmark international at the club beyond the summer.

The report added that Palace, along with Aston Villa, Everton, Newcastle and West Ham, are looking into offering Eriksen a contract. His former club Tottenham have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder, who wants to remain in England.

The Verdict: Tough ask

Palace could be in need of midfield reinforcements over the summer, with Conor Gallagher set to return to Chelsea following his season-long loan spell.

Eriksen, who Graeme Bailey labelled a ‘superstar’, would be a shrewd signing on a free transfer and isn’t seeking a six-figure wage.

He has contributed to 120 Premier League goals in 231 games, but with plenty of top-flight clubs keen on the player, Eagles boss Patrick Vieira could find it tough to persuade Eriksen over a move to Selhurst Park.

In other news: Vieira now handed another Palace injury worry pre-Chelsea as journalist drops news on ‘popular’ star

As per an update by Spanish source Fichajes, a significant update has emerged on the future of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.

The Lowdown: Spurs winter exodus?

As widely reported, Spurs fans could potentially see as many outgoings as incomings this January transfer window as many players see their futures linked elsewhere.

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Homegrown ace Dele Alli could be on the move, with Sky Sports claiming Tottenham are open to offers, whilst the same outlet says that club record signing Tanguy Ndombele may leave.

Meanwhile, Ajax are chasing winger Steven Bergwijn and have submitted an official bid – though nothing is advanced according to reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano.

Sharing another exit update, Fichajes have brought an interesting development.

The Latest: Lo Celso exit ‘seems to be imminent’..,

According to the Spanish news outlet, Lo Celso’s name is one that ‘appears on Tottenham’s transfer list’ because he ‘does not fit’ into manager Antonio Conte’s plans.

They go on to claim his departure ‘seems to be imminent’ with Lo Celso yearning for regular minutes as the 2022 World Cup looms later this year.

Due to his recent form and lack of opportunities, the 25-year-old’s valuation has dropped ‘considerably’, with there even being a ‘possibility’ that Spurs, and by extension chairman Daniel Levy, will let him leave for half of what they paid to sign him from Real Betis.

Tottenham secured Lo Celso back in 2020 for a fee of around €32 million (£26.6m).

The Verdict: Time to move on?

Taking a 50 per cent loss on the international ace would represent a terrible bit of business for Levy and sporting director Fabio Paratici, especially considering how well he performs for Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni.

The 36-cap gem has even been called the ‘one of the best in the world’ by Scaloni for his exploits but it appears Lo Celso has struggled to transfer that international form to club level with Spurs.

That being said, his Argentina exploits clearly display the player’s ability and the fact he is still only in his mid-20s means Tottenham and Levy could demand far more than £13.3m.

We believe Spurs should dig their heels in negotiations with a potential 50 per cent loss coming only as a very last resort.

In other news: ‘Hotting up’…Tottenham set for imminent ‘formal bid’ as reporter shares Conte’s ‘cunning plan’, find out more here.